Skull Dogs Test Shoot
Christian at the Guthrie Theatre
Our first Skull Dogs photoshoot came unexpectedly.
After we’d secured our first client, Jose and I went out to scout locations in Minneapolis. Since the client didn’t have a specific venue in mind, we handled that part — and I already had a few ideas. Having worked on photoshoots in the area before with my sister, Always Uttori, and remembered how striking the Guthrie Theatre looked near Gold Medal Park. With its dramatic lighting, blue and amber windows, and moody architecture, I knew it would be one of our main targets.
But first things first: coffee.
We stopped at FRGMNT in Open Book — home of The Loft Literary Center — because we knew we’d be starting the client shoot there. Author headshots felt like the perfect excuse to revisit a familiar place.
But first things first: coffee.
Jose sips his Cortado from FRGMNT, the cafe at Open Book
The Loft and I go way back. I co-founded the As Written By Teen Writers Group there in high school, and I stayed involved through other programs like Prada Pages (as assistant photographer), and recently returned as part of the 2024 Mirrors and Windows Fellowship. At this point, being at The Loft feels like coming full circle. It was just another Friday.
But for Jose — who had also been a member of As Written By — returning after 13 years away, it was more of a nostalgic experience. While I slipped right back into rhythm, for him it felt like a homecoming.
Jose steps into the room where As Written By was once hosted.
We hadn’t planned to make it a personal photoshoot, but it helped to model some ideas in real-time — and I’m so glad we did. Not only did we find great angles, we walked away with some excellent assets for the website.
After our test shots at The Loft, we made our way to Gold Medal Park, taking photos at the top of the spiral hill. Then came the Guthrie.
Jose and Christian in Gold Metal Park
Jose was still unsure about the Guthrie...until we walked through the doors. If you’ve been inside, you get it. If you haven’t? Let’s just say it’s worth visiting even if you’re not there to see a play. The energy is cinematic. Electric. Pure drama. It didn’t just click for him — it sparked something. He saw the vision and immediately started coming up with shot ideas. I love seeing that fire in him.
It goes without saying that most of our favorite shots took place in the Guthrie. I already knew that would be the case, but even when you know something’s going to be good, it can still surprise you by being even better. It was right in line with our aesthetic — cinematic, bold — it didn’t just support our vision; it revealed it.
In the end, the shoot we were prepping for ended up evolving into a larger project — which is a story for another blog post. But the experience taught us a lot. About staying flexible, adapting, and about trusting the unexpected.
Christian posing in a moody spot at the Guthrie. If you’ve seen the website, you’ve seen this image.
Jose, behind the camera
Working with Jose on this felt…different. We’ve collaborated before, from Film Club in high school to the revival we’re building now, and I’ve always loved working with him. But this was for a client. These weren’t just our ideas anymore — we were helping shape someone else’s vision. It wasn’t just about what we saw; it was about creating something that would speak to someone else.
That felt special.
Maybe it hit different because of the deadline. It made everything feel more tangible. More real. Not a distant dream, not a “someday.” Something we were actively doing. Right now. It added weight, purpose, responsibility…
Jose posing in front of one of the Guthrie’s blue windows
And both behind the lens, and in front of it, I was genuinely impressed with Jose. He showed up. Even though it wasn’t a “real” shoot, he still posed, still still brought the energy. I expected him to be more casual, but he didn’t hold back. And that shows — in the photos I took of him and in the way he captured me.
The Guthrie felt like the physical embodiment of the Skull Dogs brand. Gritty, bold, creative. I already knew it was a good space, but it ended up being the perfect one.
When we stood outside The Guthrie, we were just Jose and Christian - Professional Photographers. Entrepreneurs. Friends. But once we stepped through those doors, we became Skull Dogs.
This shoot gave us more than just some great test shots. It helped us find our rhythm. Our aesthetic. Our voice.
We’re your rebels. The underdogs. Rough and gritty, but professional with our signature cinematic flare.
Skull Dogs is our voice.
Make your voice heard.
Keep howling,
~ Christian
